Opinion: New Q101 To Take Listeners For A Ride

From Robert Feder, timeoutchicago.com

While Randy Michaels’ Merlin Media continues to assemble and train staff for its upcoming switch to an all-news format on WKQX-FM (101.1), the current roster of rock jocks at Q101 prepares to sign off for the last time...

For what it's worth, Q101 will bow out of the format with a cumulative weekly audience of slightly more than 1.1 million, according to Arbitron Portable People Meter figures for June. In the station’s target demographic of listeners between the ages of 18 and 34, it ranked ninth with a 3.9 percent share. Overall, Q101 was tied for 20th with a 1.9 share.

Despite the imminent demise of Chicago’s Alternative, Merlin Media still isn’t ready to announce — much less launch — its new format for 101.1 FM. All of which should make the next few weeks immensely interesting to those who enjoy observing diversion, distraction and misdirection. That’s just what we’re in for.

Whatever stunting, staging and assorted mischief Merlin’s magicians perform in the interim, the company’s Chicago news chief, Andy Friedman, will continue to solidify plans for the real deal. And if CBS Radio doesn’t move quickly to protect its all-news franchise on WBBM-AM (780) by simulcasting on WCFS-FM (105.9), they can’t say they didn't see it coming...

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